Devon.
The moment when dawn first appears.
The outline of the manor gradually becomes clear in the thin mist, with golden sunlight pouring through the branches of ancient oak trees, casting mottled shadows that gently fill every corner of the estate.
It shines upon Albus Dumbledore's body, enveloping the centenarian in warm sunlight, as if coated with a thin layer of golden light.
Sunlight pierces through his extremely pale hair, as though it also reaches into his heart—Nicolas Flamel feels a vitality and... warmth from this century's most powerful wizard that he has never seen before.
A flame named hope burns in Albus Dumbledore's heart.
The friendship between Nicolas Flamel and Albus Dumbledore spans many years of old acquaintance; he had never seen such a fire kindled in Albus Dumbledore's heart.
As the Alchemy Master, Nicolas Flamel immediately realized that there was no one who could extinguish it.
"It seems you've done something remarkable again without us knowing," Nicolas Flamel dismissed the thought of advising him and once more eyed the damaged ancient time converter in his hands.
"Can I perhaps know what forbidden thing you have verified?" It was obvious that the master, who had created the Philosopher's Stone and reached the pinnacle of alchemy, already had a judgment in mind.
Albus Dumbledore nodded, looking at the blooming flowers in Nicolas Flamel's estate. Even though it's winter, the vibrant flowers sway lightly in the breeze with abundant life force.
"With the help of a legendary hand, we successfully deceived Death once." The old headmaster did not delve into details, as it involved certain secret schemes between him and Grindelwald.
Yet, even his vague description was sufficient for Nicolas Flamel to understand what had transpired, aligning perfectly with Nicolas Flamel's own suspicions.
Indeed.
There were also things Nicolas Flamel hadn't guessed.
"Legends don't exist in this era, Dumbledore. We all know the Four Founders are the last rays of the legends, and you're constrained by the times for that reason."
Nicolas Flamel's expression showed a hint of surprise.
He led Albus Dumbledore towards his house, which presented a perfect golden rectangle, with a "mathematical beauty" that words have difficulty describing.
Seemingly ordinary.
Yet able to evoke a sense of visual beauty.
"There are always ways to stay away from Death, like the Magic Stone you created. Perhaps, some remnants of old days haven't yet faded away in our era."
Albus Dumbledore followed closely behind, his words perhaps a bit tactful, but the certainty in his tone made Nicolas Flamel pause.
"Are you sure?"
The expression of the six-hundred-year-old man slightly tensed.
"Indeed."
Albus Dumbledore nodded as he gazed directly at him.
The convergence of gazes.
Made Nicolas Flamel certain of the facts.
"This is more shocking than you teaming up with that freak and playing with life and death again." Nicolas Flamel was evidently a sage seasoned by age.
Merely through his brief interactions with Albus Dumbledore, he had already judged and analyzed much information—naturally, one must possess extraordinary wisdom to be an Alchemy Master.
"Gellert's thoughts are no longer as crazy as before, and both Hogwarts and I indeed need his help at present. You know that lunatic is still a hidden threat."
Albus Dumbledore defended his old friend slightly, though not very confidently. Nicolas Flamel merely gave him a deep look without reprimanding him.
"How do you know he isn't crazier now... But of course, I don't care about that, after all, the world will soon become my past."
Nicolas Flamel led Albus Dumbledore into the house, where an elderly lady equally aged greeted Albus Dumbledore warmly.
If Snape were to come here, he might have a heart attack on the spot, seeing the elderly lady dressed with dragon hide apron and even wearing a lavish coat made entirely of unicorn feathers. Its warmth and luxury are unmistakable and exude extravagance.
"You're just in time, I'm attempting to make Mexican pancakes." Saying she's trying to learn culinary skills, yet it's the little figures under her command that are the real laborers.
"Darling, our friend here won't be able to eat until he gets a definite answer from me." Nicolas Flamel chuckled as he embraced the elderly lady.
Six hundred years of marriage.
Their love grows ever deeper.
Childhood sweethearts.
Certainly different from couples who tire of each other in seven years.
The world may only know Nicolas Flamel as a talented and renowned alchemist who created the Magic Stone, yet few have delved into other aspects of his life.
That was six hundred years ago.
Nicolas Flamel studied as a youth at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic in France, where he met his future wife Pernel Flamel. The Flamel couple were early lovers as campus sweethearts, with a very intimate relationship, having lived together for 600 years and still happy today.